Cost of Living: Idaho vs Washington

Quick answer

Idaho is cheaper for a single adult by about $856/month, mainly driven by rent.

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What this means in real life

The big differences between Idaho and Washington come down to rent and tax. Groceries, transport, and utilities are usually within 10–15%; housing can swing the total by hundreds of dollars per month.

Idaho
Housing (rent + insurance)
$1,250
40%
Transportation
$475
15%
Groceries
$416
13%
Utilities & internet
$193
6%
Healthcare
$317
10%
Entertainment & dining
$218
7%
Misc & personal
$277
9%
Total: $3,146/mo
Washington
Housing (rent + insurance)
$1,800
45%
Transportation
$552
14%
Groceries
$483
12%
Utilities & internet
$224
6%
Healthcare
$368
9%
Entertainment & dining
$253
6%
Misc & personal
$322
8%
Total: $4,002/mo

Deep-dive each region

Common questions

These estimates are approximate and may vary by city, taxes, rent, family size, and personal spending. Use them as a starting point, not a substitute for personalised financial or tax advice.